[arms at his sides, wary eyes on her. the day had been full of emotion, declarations and promises; none from instructors, none from the CDC, invigorating all the same. even if Ciel, Guy and Parker matched up to Tess's disdainful prediction for who would be willing to listen, weighted words carried purpose. but there wasn't anything immediately to be done, and after ghosting around medical for nearly an hour, he had to get away. so why the change with the boot camp? a feeling of growing older? of not needing to be treated as a cadet? initially, yes. -- Shepard halted, spoke.]
[ah.]
[he'd rather the push ups.]
I... [a too-long pause, expression pinched. always had been better over text.] ... Hadn't planned that far.
[a beat. head turning down and to the side by a few scant centimeters, as if a new recruit looking for signs he was doing it right. not as nervous as usual - embarrassed, though, in a strained, uncomfortable way.]
you're going to kill me and I hope I haunt you for all days after
[ah.]
[he'd rather the push ups.]
I... [a too-long pause, expression pinched. always had been better over text.] ... Hadn't planned that far.
[a beat. head turning down and to the side by a few scant centimeters, as if a new recruit looking for signs he was doing it right. not as nervous as usual - embarrassed, though, in a strained, uncomfortable way.]
Which is fine. Since it's not happening.